I don’t understand why Muslims, especially in Malaysia, seem overly proud whenever someone of a different religion converts to Islam.
Some feel so proud they need to shout it out loud enough so the whole world can hear.
And this extends to news headlines.
Our national news agency has a story headlined ‘44 Orang Asli di Perak peluk Islam’ (44 Orang Asli in Perak embrace Islam).
And then there's the numerous hyped up conversions of individuals who attended Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik’s lectures.
These cases are reported by the local media as if they were miracles!
MUST READ: How do we deal with holier than thou religious authorities?
(I know, a lot of people have asked for my opinion about Dr Zakir and his speaking tour in Malaysia. I don’t want to get into it right now. Anyway, freedom of speech is a right, right?)
Now, keeping in mind that we Malaysians have freedom of religion as one of our Constitutional rights, imagine this:
A Christian group or a Hindu group announces publicly that they have managed to convert so many in one go. What would the public reaction in Malaysia be?
Would everybody smile and say congratulations? Or would they go berserk?
I would assume the latter. Hardly fair, isn’t it?
Here’s the thing. Should we care if a stranger converts or denounces their faith?
MUST READ: Hindus do it, so why can't Muslims?
I don’t because it is their own dealings with their own beliefs and has nothing to do with anyone else.
Look, I actually understand why conversions to Islam are always hyped up. It’s because Muslims want to reaffirm their beliefs, which makes them feel more secure.
I guess it’s everyone saying to themselves: ‘Wow! So many believe in Islam! The religion must be true and beautiful!’
Sure, reaffirmation is good. But it also indicates insecurity.
Why does it seem that people need to quench their insecurities this way?
Wouldn't their insecurities be better resolved by actually studying the religion and having their own personal enlightenment?
MUST READ: Blasphemy is man-made, so question away
Seeing a batch of 44, or even hundreds or thousands, converting to Islam does not convince me that the faith I believe in is the best one for me.
I’m glad if you are enlightened and find that Islam is the best religion for you.
Just as I would be similarly glad if you find enlightenment in another religion, or even no religion at all.
Matters of personal faith need not be shouted out over the rooftops.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the view of Astro AWANI.
Zan Azlee
Thu Apr 21 2016
JAIPk officials with Orang Asli residents in Kinta and Tapah, Perak who converted to Islam - fotoBERNAMA (2016) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Uqasha Senrose selamat bersalin, beri nama anak Uqaira
Pelakon Uqasha Senrose mengumumkan telah selamat melahirkan puteri sulungnya pada awal pagi Sabtu.
Thomas Cup: Permulaan cemerlang buat Malaysia
Malaysia bermula cemerlang pada perlawanan pembukaan Piala Thomas 2024, dengan menewaskan Hong Kong 5-0 hari ini.
PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu: Proses penamaan calon lancar - Polis Selangor
Proses penamaan calon bagi PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu hari ini berjalan lancar tanpa sebarang insiden tidak diingini.
PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu: Pembangunan anak muda, wanita menjadi fokus Pang
Agenda pembangunan anak muda dan wanita akan menjadi fokus utama calon PH Pang Sock Tao, pada PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu.
Nahas helikopter Lumut: Kerajaan tidak bercadang gantung sementara helikoper Fennec, HOM
Kerajaan setakat ini tidak bercadang untuk menggantung sementara perkhidmatan helikopter jenis Fennec dan HOM.
Kejohanan Dunia Boling Padang: Tiga gangsa dalam tangan, misi tukar warna pingat
Skuad boling padang negara layak ke pusingan separuh akhir dalam kesemua kategori yang dipertandingkan di Kejohanan Dunia Dalam Dewan 2024.
Amerika Syarikat mungkin haramkan firma dron China, DJI
Amerika Syarikat kini turut sedang pertimbangkan DJI sebagai ancaman sekuriti, dan mungkin melakukan perundangan untuk mengharamkan DJI.
Bersatu ambil tindakan susulan terhadap enam ahli Parlimen - Muhyiddin
Bersatu sedang melaksanakan tindakan susulan terhadap enam ahli Parlimennya yang menyokong Perdana Menteri selepas meminda Perlembagaan parti bulan lalu.
'Made in Malaysia' - Apple punyai 19 kilang pembekal di negara ini
Malaysia merupakan salah satu negara yang mempunyai beberapa kilang pembekal yang menawarkan komponen kepada Apple.
SPRM lancar bilik gerakan PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu
SPRM melancarkan bilik gerakan, bagi membolehkan orang ramai menyalurkan maklumat serta aduan berkaitan perbuatan rasuah dan salah guna kuasa.